Finland: Wasa Royals and Helsinki Roosters clash in early-season Maple League showdown

AFI | American Football | 06/14/2025

Graphci: Vaahteraliga

The Wasa Royals (1-0) host the Helsinki Roosters (1-0) at Kaarle Field in Vaasa on Saturday afternoon, as both teams aim to build on narrow Week 1 victories and assert their credentials in the Finnish Maple League’s competitive early standings.

Offensive challenges and turnover concerns
The Royals edged the newly promoted Tampere Saints 21-13 in their opener despite five turnovers, including three interceptions thrown by 19-year-old quarterback Elias Haapamäki. The young QB, fresh off a European U18 bronze medal, faces a stern test against a Roosters defense featuring U.S. linebacker Alex Herriott, who shone in Helsinki’s opening 21-9 win over the Seinäjoki Crocodiles. Wasa’s revamped offensive line, bolstered by two American imports, must protect Haapamäki from pressure while creating lanes for running back Tom Suoste, whose ground game will challenge Herriott’s pursuit.

Helsinki’s offense, led by Finnish national team QB Ambro Urjansson, seeks consistency after that gritty Week 1 performance. The Roosters’ line suffered a blow as center Mikko Toiminen is sidelined, thrusting 18-year-old Iiro Metsäniemi into a critical role. Urjansson’s poise under pressure and connection with receivers like Ami Lindfors and new American Gabe Quigley will test a Royals secondary that capitalized on Saints’ mistakes.

Special teams and youth opportunities
The Roosters face adversity in special teams, missing punter Akseli Olin, whose field-flipping kicks were pivotal in their opener. Seventeen-year-old Ville Kivisaari steps into Olin’s role, adding uncertainty to Helsinki’s field-position strategy. For Wasa, receiver Leonardo Sopholics draws double coverage, opening opportunities for Lindfors and Quigley to exploit mismatches.

Defensive battles and coaching edges
Wasa’s defense, which stifled Tampere’s red-zone efforts, must contain Urjansson’s dual-threat capabilities. Royals head coach JP Kuusisto acknowledged Helsinki’s pedigree: “The Roosters represent a culture of winning. Their experience gives them an edge in tight games.” Conversely, the Royals’ physical front seven, key to limiting the Saints’ rushing attack, aims to disrupt Helsinki’s reshuffled line.

Key matchup: Suoste vs. Herriott
Tom Suoste’s power-running style clashes with Herriott’s sideline-to-sideline range. If Wasa’s line creates gaps, Suoste could wear down Helsinki’s defense and ease pressure on Haapamäki. Conversely, Herriott’s ability to penetrate the backfield may force the young QB into rushed decisions, amplifying turnover risks.

Outlook
With both teams leaning on youth and navigating early-season absences, this matchup hinges on execution under pressure. The Royals’ home-field advantage and resilient Week 1 defense counterbalance Helsinki’s veteran QB and championship pedigree. A win for either side would signal their readiness to challenge for the Maple League crown.